Cheapest Universities in Canada with Tuition Fees
Canada is a North American country with its capital in Ottawa and its largest city Toronto. Globally, it is the second largest country by landmass, a developed country with an economy of the 8th largest in the world, thriving on its enormous natural resources and we’ll develop international trade networks.
Education is not cheap when compared to neighboring countries, but If you’re looking for the most affordable options Canada has to offer, this article is for you!
- University of the People
Year of establishment – 2009
Location – Online/ distance learning
Tuition fees -Tuition-Free
Website – https://www.uopeople.edu
University of People is the first US-accredited online tuition-free university, meaning you can study anywhere and anytime. It was founded in 2009 by Shai Reshef; an Israeli businessman and administrative educator, it got accredited in 2014. The application process is simple and the rewards of degree completion are definitely worthwhile.
- Brandon University
Year of establishment – 1890
Location – Brandon, Manitoba
Average Tuition Fees – $7,000
Website – https://www.bradonu.ca
Brandon University has continued to maintain a good academic reputation and seems to have a long and positive relationship with international students and offers one-to-one professor interactions and research opportunities not available at larger universities.
- Saint Boniface University
Year of establishment – 1818
Location – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Average Tuition Fees – $7,200
Website – https://ustboniface.ca
Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts, Social Work, Translation, Science, Nursing, Business, and Education. The university is affiliated the University of Manitoba, so students may continue studies toward a Master’s degree after graduation.
International students at Saint-Boniface must expect to be able to speak a certain level of French as this is a French university. Some programs also require a level of English proficiency as well.
- University of Guelph
Year of establishment – 1964
Location – Guelph, Ontario
Tuition – $9,680
Website – https://www.uoguelph.ca
This is a government-owned university and one of Canada’s top comprehensive and scientific research universities ranking high globally. Bachelor’s Degrees from 5 Colleges (Arts, Biological Sciences, Business & Economics, Engineering & Physical Sciences, Social & Applied Human Sciences)
International students at Guelph will receive special assistance at the university with visa applications.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
Year of establishment – 1925
Location – St. Johns, Newfoundland
Average Tuition Fees – $11,000
Website – https://www.mun.ca
This is a government-owned university founded in memories of the Newfoundlanders who lost their lives on active service during world war 1, the university draws inspiration to build a better future with more than 100 programs for Bachelor’s and Masters and Certificates. The university offers specialized services for international students such as student advising, an internationalization office, and international student groups.
What these tuition figures actually cover
The fees listed above are tuition only. They exclude accommodation, feeding, health insurance, textbooks, local transport and visa costs. When budgeting, treat tuition as roughly half of what a year will genuinely cost you.
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Be aware that “cheapest” in Canada is relative — even the most affordable institutions carry international fees far above what you would pay in Africa, and immigration requires you to prove substantial funds before a study permit is issued.
Budgeting realistically as a Nigerian student
Work out the full picture before committing:
- Tuition — confirm the current figure directly with the institution, as published figures date quickly
- Accommodation — on-campus housing is usually cheaper than private rental
- Feeding and daily living
- Health insurance — typically mandatory for international students
- Flights — expect at least one connection from Lagos or Abuja; there is no short route
- Visa and immigration fees
- Proof of funds — you will usually need to show you can support yourself for the full period of study
Entry requirements to expect
Requirements vary by institution and programme, but international applicants are generally asked for:
- WAEC, NECO or equivalent secondary certificates for undergraduate entry
- A recognised bachelor’s degree and transcripts for postgraduate entry
- A valid international passport
- Proof of financial capacity
- Academic references
On English tests: Canadian institutions commonly require IELTS or TOEFL, but many waive it where your previous degree was taught in English. Since Nigerian universities teach in English, a medium of instruction letter from your registrar is often accepted. Confirm in writing with admissions before paying for a test.
How to apply
- Shortlist two or three institutions from the list above and confirm they are accredited and offer your programme.
- Contact admissions directly and request the current international student fee schedule. Do not rely on figures from any third-party site, including this one, without confirming.
- Ask about English test requirements for Nigerian applicants specifically.
- Prepare documents early — transcript and certificate collection routinely takes weeks in Nigeria.
- Apply, then begin the student visa process once you receive an offer letter.
- Arrange proof of funds in the format the immigration authority requires.
Working while studying
Study permit holders in Canada may generally work a limited number of hours during term and more during scheduled breaks, subject to conditions attached to your permit. Rules change periodically and are enforced strictly. Confirm current entitlements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and your institution.
Is Canada the right choice for you?
Canada suits you if you want a globally recognised degree with strong post-study pathways, and you can genuinely fund it. The academic quality is high, but so is the total cost, and the proof-of-funds requirement is a real barrier for many applicants.
Be clear-eyed about one thing: a low tuition fee is not the same as an affordable degree. Once flights, living costs and visa expenses are counted, self-funding is rarely cheaper than a fully funded scholarship, where tuition, accommodation and travel are all covered and you pay nothing.
If cost is your priority rather than location, apply to funded programmes in parallel:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC — fully funded Master’s in Canada, including flights and a laptop
- Chevening Scholarship — fully funded UK Master’s for Nigerians
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship — fully funded Master’s in Germany
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarship — fully funded doctoral study in the UK
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians study in Canada?
Yes. Canadian institutions admit large numbers of Nigerian students each year. You will need an offer of admission, proof of funds, and a study permit.
How much proof of funds do I need for Canada?
Immigration requires you to demonstrate you can cover tuition plus living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family. The specific threshold is set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and is revised periodically — check the current figure on the official IRCC website rather than relying on third-party sources.
Is Canada cheaper than studying elsewhere?
Canada is significantly more expensive than African or most European destinations once tuition, living costs and flights are combined. This is precisely why the fully funded routes below matter so much for Nigerian applicants.
Are these tuition fees current?
Fees change regularly. Treat the figures above as a comparison guide only and confirm current rates directly with each institution before making any decision.
Always verify tuition, entry requirements and visa rules directly with the institution and the relevant immigration authority before applying or making payment.